06.01.2012 - Kadi Tshala is 21 years old. He lives in Sabon Gari, a small village situated on the edge of the Sahara, in Niger. Kadi repairs bicycles and motorbikes. Every day, after morning prayers, at half past five, he goes to his workshop.

There is plenty of work. The roads are just dusty, stony tracks and are full of holes: tyres are easily punctured, brakes quickly wear out and luggage carriers collapse under the weight of constant use.

Too old for school

In 2000, Kadi couldn’t read or write. At the age of nine, he was too old to attend the state school and his life seemed to be mapped out: like many other boys of his age, he would first do little jobs in town, such as shoe cleaning, and later he would leave the country, to go to Nigeria for example, to take any kind of work.  These young emigrants are very often exploited and don’t earn enough to give real support to their families left back in their own country.

Meeting family needs

Kadi was luckily accepted by the school in Sabon Gari supported by Enfants du Monde. A total of five schools in this area offer primary education and work training to out-of-school children.

Today, Kadi has his own workshop and employs two apprentices.  He says: “I am proud that I decided to stay in my village and go to school.  This has made it possible for me to have a job.  Now I can provide for my family and contribute to the development of my village.”

All money raised by the Enfants du Monde food and drinks stand at the Music Festival in Geneva (from 22 to 24 June) will be used to support these five schools.

Come and say hello, and help us as you enjoy our snacks and drinks!